PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAMME.
PRASL-SLPI COURSE GRADUATION CEREMONY - - Gradsuates & Directors of PRASL &SLPI
Graduates at Graduation Ceremony PRASL-SLPI Certificate Course Inaugural batch
The Public Relations Association of Sri Lanka (PRASL), the national industry body for public relations professionals, has successfully completed the inaugural three-month Certificate Course in Public Relations and Corporate Communications, conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI). All participants in the inaugural batch successfully completed the programme, with the majority achieving Merit and Distinction grades. The graduation ceremony was held on the 17th of September 2026.
The programme attracted largely young working adults seeking to gain a deeper understanding of public relations and corporate communications or broaden their professional skills in the field. Participant feedback reflected a high level of satisfaction with the programme. In an end of course survey, 84% of participants said the course met or exceeded their expectations and indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the experience. All participants said the course was relevant to them, while 74% said they would recommend it to others.
The course was curated by PRASL President Nimal Gunewardena, drawing on his extensive experience in teaching and developing professional programmes for organisations including SLIM and SLFI. SLPI Chief Executive Officer Kumar Lopez recalled a similar programme in Advertising and Communications conducted with SLPI more than a decade ago, also with Gunewardena’s involvement. The programme was coordinated by PRASL Directors Sheranga Rajasuriya and Nevindee Amarasinghe together with SLPI’s Dineshika Udyangi. Following the success of the inaugural programme, PRASL and SLPI are planning to conduct the course again in 2027.
The initiative reflects PRASL’s new strategic direction to reposition public relations as “The Vital Strategic Communications Discipline that Drives Initiatives and Protects Reputation.” In keeping with this approach, the programme brought together senior industry professionals to share expertise across a broad spectrum of public relations and communications disciplines, combining theory with case studies and practical industry experience.
Interactive sessions covered Issues and Crisis Management, Campaign Development, Execution and Evaluation, Digital PR and Content Development, Corporate Communications, Social Responsibility and Ethics, Event and Account Management, Internal Communications, Media, Target Audiences, Media Relations and other areas central to contemporary communications practice. The end of course assessment was designed to test participants’ strategic thinking, application of knowledge and presentation skills. Participants were assessed on all 20 topics covered during the programme and were required to complete a written paper developing a campaign around a passion project. They also developed and presented advocacy campaigns addressing contemporary social issues, including mitigating plastic pollution and road accidents, preventing deforestation and addressing sexual harassment.
Building on the success of the certificate programme, PRASL is planning further professional development opportunities, including masterclasses conducted by international and local trainers and customised training programmes for corporate organisations. PRASL also welcomes communications professionals and graduates interested in joining the Association as Professional, Associate or Graduate Members. Membership provides opportunities to gain professional recognition, engage with the industry and contribute to PRASL’s initiatives and projects. Further information is available through the PRASL website at www.prasl.lk and its Facebook page. Membership enquiries may be directed to membership@prasl.lk.
